BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Catcher Mitch Williams, a former Georgia 7-AA Player of the Year and Major League Baseball draft pick, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the UAB baseball team for the 2014 season.

Williams played his freshman season at Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Marion, Ala., and will have three years of eligibility remaining to suit up for the Blazers.

“When we lost Andrew Dennis late in the draft, we were surprised and faced with the daunting challenge of finding a catcher who was ready to play at this level," UAB head coach Brian Shoop said. "Coach Perry Roth did a remarkable job finding Mitch Williams and it ends up being a great fit both for Mitch and for UAB.”

Williams was a standout behind the plate at Coosa High School for head coach Gus Bell prior to playing one season at Marion Military Institute. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound catcher was a four-year starter and hit .417 during his senior season.

The Rome, Ga., native earned Region 7-AA Player of the Year honors, named first team all-region and picked to play in the Georgia vs. Tennessee All-Star Game during his senior season. He was also a two-time CBS Sports Max Preps Player of the Week honoree and was selected by ESPN High School as a top position player in the state of Georgia.

Williams was selected in the 39th round of the MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals in 2012, but opted to play at MMI for the 2013 campaign.

"It worked out perfect – we had a need for a front line catcher and Mitch was still looking for a DI opportunity," Shoop said. "I think Mitch is excited and I know we are thrilled to add such a quality catcher and another left handed bat to our lineup. We are also excited that Mitch has three years of eligibility remaining which will give us some stability to this very important position."

In addition to his already mentioned accolades, Williams was a Rawlings All-American and All-Region (Southeast Region) Honorable Mention and nationwide Top 1000 pick by Perfect Game.

Williams also played for the East Cobb Indians and Doubleday Baseball, along with being selected to play for the Washington Nationals in the 2011 Area Code games in Long Beach, Calif.

"One of our strengths last year was Jacob German and Harry Clark’s ability to throw out opposing runners," Shoop said. "Mitch is an outstanding catch and throw guy and should continue our trend of keeping our opponent’s running game in check. We believe our excellent pitching staff will love throwing to Mitch and will quickly come to trust him. We are very excited to add him to our baseball family."